I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find anything by searching.

What's the best way to carry an SLR or SLR-like camera on the trail, and be able to get it out quickly to take some shots, and be able to put it away quickly again? I'm heading out today after work for a ride, and I'm taking my big Sony (F-828) which is about SLR sized, and my external flash. I'll be carrying it in a backpack, but that will be a little slow to unload, setup, shoot, and load up to ride on. I normally ride with the P200 but I want some better shots so I'm taking the big camera. After getting to work, I realized I should've brought both, the little one to whip out for the quck candid shots, and only use the big one for the setup shots. Is there some kind of camera case/hoster device that could offer faster access than a backpack?

BM

PS- My backback isn't a camera case and therefore isn't padded, so I'll be doing my best to not crash.

My wife won't let me take the SLR out on the trail. I have 2 P&S's that have Smashed LCD's from falling. the one still takes Pictures fine so I still use that one. I jusy carry in the back pocket of my jersey. make it quick and easy to get out , but it also makes it a little exposed to an OTB.

I've carried my DSLR on a few mountain bike rides, but I try not to now for just normal rides. Mostly because if I fall (and I have before and got lucky) and it breaks, right now I can't afford to get a new one. I'm starting to bring my wife's P&S camera out since its much cheaper.

On rides where it will mostly be a photo shoot, I'll carry one or two bodies, 2 lenses, flashes, ect, and I just got a camera specific backpack to help carry all my gear for the job. I also ride MUCH slower when carrying my expensive gear.

Now, for when I take my wife out to ride, we go on the paved bike paths. Then I take my D70 with a SB-600 flash in my camelback, and I have enough room that I can keep them attached together in my bag.

I happened to manage ok with a regular backpack this time, but it's still pretty slow to take out for a pic or two, and then put away, etc... I'm already the slowest rider of my group, it's rare when someone slower than me comes along for a ride. I'd alreay be behind and my friends are kidn enough to wait up for me at the top of the climbs, and then instead of resting with them, I'd ride ahead and set up for a shot, they'd all fly by and be a way far ahead before I got the camera put away and start riding again, so then I'm slow and starting way in the back. They were patient about it since they all like the camera anyway...

I'd really love some kind of front mount holster thingy that I could unzip, draw, and take a shot without having to take it off of my body every time. Maybe a handlebar mount or something... I'll have to see what I can find that I could maybe modify.

I'm still working on the pics that I took, and I'll post a few later this week.

BM

In a situation when I want to carry my D-SLR I carry it in a Lowepro Topload Zoom with a chest harness. It takes a little getting used to, but I think the camera is safer on your chest than on your back and it's easily accessible. It doesn't have a ton of room for lots of gadgets, the camera with a zoom lens and spare battery and memory cards. I have found it uncomfortable wearing a backpack/hydro pack AND the chest harness though.

You can get a Topload case and chest harness at B&H Photo for under $40.00 depending on what size you need.